Nintendo Switch 2 Patent Suggests Rotatable Joy-Cons

Nintendo has secured a new patent indicating that the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will feature Joy-Con controllers that can be attached in an inverted orientation.

As detailed by VGC, the patent explains that the Nintendo Switch 2 will use gyroscopic mechanisms similar to those in smartphones, which adjust screen orientation without a lock. Rotating the console in different directions will automatically reorient the display.

The new Joy-Cons are designed to adapt to any attachment position, likely due to a redesigned mounting system. Unlike the original Nintendo Switch, which used sliding rails to lock the Joy-Cons in place, the upcoming model employs magnetic attachments, presumably allowing them to be affixed on either side.

While this change may not significantly impact hardware functionality, it offers players greater flexibility in positioning buttons, the headphone jack, and other features. If implemented in the final product, this reversible attachment capability could introduce unique gameplay mechanics.

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"Players can operate the gaming system by attaching the right and left controllers to the main unit in reversed positions," the patent states.

"Users can also orient the main device upside down, placing the audio input/output connector—typically on the top—on the lower side. This allows players to plug headphones into the audio jack from their preferred direction."

If the Nintendo Switch 2 functions as described in the patent, Nintendo is expected to showcase this feature in an upcoming Nintendo Direct presentation. The event is scheduled for April 2 at 6 AM Pacific / 9 AM Eastern / 2 PM UK time.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is likely nearing its release, as hands-on events are scheduled through June. While Nintendo has not confirmed a launch window, industry insiders speculate a release between June and September, especially after Greedfall 2 publisher Nacon mentioned the console would arrive before September.

Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 earlier in January with a short teaser that confirmed backward compatibility and an additional USB-C port. However, many details—such as the full game lineup and the purpose of the mysterious new Joy-Con button—remain undisclosed, though the Joy-Con mouse theory has generated considerable discussion.